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The Atlanta Falcons have one of the youngest defense’s in the NFL

By Colin Hubbard

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) defends Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) defends Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) in the first quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Official numbers have not yet been released, but it appears that the Atlanta Falcons will have one of if not the youngest defense in the NFL heading into 2016.

The youngest defense in 2015 was the Los Angeles Rams at an average age of 25.55. At the moment, the Falcons have an average age of 25.64 which would put them as the second-youngest defense in the league. Atlanta had the 24th youngest defense a year ago at 27.54 Their -1.9 change in age from 2015 to 2016 would have ranked them as the biggest decrease compared to last years’ numbers as well.

So, how did this happen so quickly? Well, it was actually quite simple. After releasing William Moore and Justin Durant and letting Kroy Biermann walk away in free agency, they lost three players at the age of 30. Atlanta currently only has three players over the age of 30 and has 15 players at the age of 25 or younger.

On paper the Falcons should have a better defensive unit than they did in 2015. However, with young age comes growing pains so this is something we are all going to have to deal with. It’s almost like we will be growing up with them through the process.

Atlanta’s two starting safeties will likely be Ricardo Allen (24) and Keanu Neal (20), but where it get’s wild is their linebacking corps. Atlanta’s three starters potentially could be Vic Beasley (23) Deion Jones (21) and Sean Weatherspoon (28).

This is  a defensive unit that will feature at least two rookies in Neal and Jones and De’Vondre Campbell will also see some playing time as a rookie as well.

The only unit on this defense that has a considerable amount of playing time comes from the defensive line. Jonathan Babineaux is the Falcons’ oldest player at 34 and also features Derrick Shelby who is 27 and Tyson Jackson who is 29.

We are starting to see a nice young core developing in Atlanta but this is a unit that is in no way shape or form ready to be a top defense. They are at least a year away from being great and probably two years away from being elite. Dan Quinn has now had two years to bring in plays that fit his playing style and the results will start to come as a result.

Next: Deion Jones is coming for Paul Worrilow's starting job

This will be a fun defense to watch, but at times will make you very frustrated. If you’re a fan of a high-flying defense that likes to hit and talk trash then you’re in for a treat.

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